Boat fire at Grand Marina

[Charlie Tuna]

ALAMEDA, Calif. — A man was injured in an explosion on a boat at Alameda's Grand Marina Thursday afternoon, a fire official said.

Firefighters responded at 12:56 p.m. to a report of a boat fire at the marina located at 2099 Grand St., Alameda fire Division Chief Doug Long said.

They arrived to find a man who had suffered burns to about 20 percent of his body from some sort of explosion on a 30-foot fiberglass sailboat docked at the marina, Long said.
The man jumped into the water to extinguish himself and was rescued by other people who also used hoses at the dock to put out the fire on the boat before firefighters arrived, according to Long.

The man was taken by ambulance to a nearby park, where a medical helicopter airlifted him to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Long said.

[fototaker]

wow. hoping his recovery is quick. that's scary!!

[Photoboy]

The victim is Josh Sailer, who is personal friends with numerous members here...


Our thoughts and prayers you out to Josh and family,

(02-07) 18:06 PST ALAMEDA -- A 30-year-old man suffered serious burns Thursday in an explosion aboard his sailboat at the Grand Marina in Alameda, authorities said.

Relatives identified the victim as Josh Sailer, a construction worker and Nevada native who has lived part-time on the 30-foot sailboat for the past couple of years.

"He'll be OK," said his brother, 28-year-old Jacob Sailer, speaking on his cell phone from the waiting room of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where Josh Sailer was being treated.

Jacob Sailer lives on another boat at the marina on the Oakland Estuary, but wasn't there when the explosion and fire happened on his brother's vessel just before 1 p.m. He said he believed gas from a stove had ignited.

Josh Sailer suffered burns that were most severe on his hands and knees, his brother said.

Doug Long, an Alameda Fire Department division chief, said witnesses reported hearing an explosion inside the cabin of the Newport sailboat, followed by a splash.

Sailer "self-extricated himself from the boat and jumped in the water to extinguish himself," Long said. "Then he was helped back out of the water onto the dock by other boat tenants and marina workers."

Andy McKinley, a former harbormaster at the marina who now works at a custom canvas shop there, said about 20 people had helped contain the fire to the cabin using fire extinguishers and hoses that were hooked up on the dock. Alameda Fire Department and Coast Guard boats that initially responded weren't needed.

Fire Department paramedics treated Josh Sailer on the dock, then rushed him in an ambulance to Rittler Park, about 15 blocks away. There, at about 1:30 p.m., he was loaded into a Calstar helicopter and taken to the burn unit at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.

Long said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/articl...#ixzz2KHD41ZHF

[F18 5150]

Josh is on a ventilator and had 3rd degree burns on his hands. Most of the skin may be lost. He also has less severe burns to his legs and face. He is stable and they are hoping for the best.

[The Flash]

Damn

[Built to List]

Godspeed Josh

[Buzz Light Beer]

Sounds like he did the right thing plunging in the water, and neighboring boats performed a great assist.

Get well man!

[F18 5150]

Had an update from Valerie Morais about Josh. They are going to do a tracheotomy on Josh. So tubes and things down his throat don't do more damage. Hope all goes well.

[F18 5150]

From Dianna Tomschin-McDaniel Josh's procedure went well...I talked to Mark this morning. He has 2 nurses at all times during the day...and they are doing everything they can for him!

[Charlie Tuna]

Good news! Keep us posted Rich!

[F18 5150]

Just spoke to Val and Mark. Josh has an infection in his lungs. They are treating him for it. Val said he has great nurses there for him. Mark and Val are hangin in there. They said thanks for the love and support from everyone. They are telling Josh Sailer that we all send our love. Josh is responding to dr.'s requests to move when asked. His swelling of his face has gone down. Just keep those love thoughts and prayers going, the Sailers need it.

[F18 5150]

from his brother
Jacob Sailer
20 % of his body is burned 3rd degree. He has a tracheotomy for breathing. He's aware and strong. He's coming off sedation so he can start to breathing on his own again. He defiantly recognized me and wanted a hug I felt it deep that I was one he liked to see.

[IOR Geezer]

Thanks for the update on Josh, sending positive thoughts his way!

Hang tight young man!

[F18 5150]

Spoke to Val a little bit ago and Josh is doing good today. He's talking a little bit. And even a little laugh. Great news to hear. I have passed along everyones well wishes and Val told Josh of all the people that love him and that we are all worried about him. Keep the good thoughts coming, they are helping.

[Single Hander]

Get well Josh!